Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II Digital Camera with Standard Grip {12.8MP}

Canon G1 X Mark II: 1.5-inch sensor in a pocketable zoom body.

The G1 X Mark II is built around a 18.7 x 14mm CMOS sensor, considerably larger than the 1-inch chips found in most enthusiast compacts, paired with a 24–120mm equivalent f/2 lens. That f/2 maximum aperture at the wide end is the real headline: it gives you meaningful depth-of-field separation and genuine low-light capability at ISO 100–12800 without reaching for a bag full of glass. The Digic 6 processor handles RAW capture, and the 5.2 fps burst rate gives you enough speed for candid social shooting or keeping up with kids at a family event.

The 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,040,000 dots is responsive and well-suited to low-angle work, and the optional electronic viewfinder means you are not locked into screen-only shooting in bright sun. Wi-Fi with NFC lets you transfer images to a phone or trigger the shutter remotely, which pairs naturally with the Star Time-Lapse mode for unattended overnight shoots. Thirty-one AF points cover the frame well for a camera this size, and the 5cm minimum focus distance opens up close-subject work that most travel zooms can't manage.

For anyone who wants genuine manual control, aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual exposure, two custom white balance slots, without carrying interchangeable lenses, the G1 X Mark II is a proven, well-sorted option that holds its own years after its 2014 release.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who shoot RAW and refuse to check a bag will appreciate the 24–120mm equiv. zoom range and 13MP sensor in a body that weighs 553g. Documentary and street shooters benefit from the f/2 aperture for available-light work in restaurants, markets, and evening events. Casual family photographers get face-tracking AF and 5.2 fps for keeping up with unpredictable subjects at close range. Astrophotography hobbyists on a budget have the Star Time-Lapse mode and ISO 12800 to work with, plus Wi-Fi remote triggering to avoid camera shake during long exposures.

Key Features

• 1.5-inch CMOS sensor (18.7 x 14mm) with Digic 6 processor
• 24–120mm equivalent lens with f/2 maximum aperture at wide end
• 13.0MP resolution with RAW and JPEG capture
• 31 AF points covering full frame for compact class
• 5.2 fps continuous shooting speed
• 3-inch tilting touchscreen (1,040,000 dots) with capacitive touch
• Optional electronic viewfinder for bright-light shooting
• Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and remote shutter control

FAQ

How does the G1 X Mark II's sensor compare to 1-inch compact cameras?

The 1.5-inch CMOS sensor is 5.6 times larger than typical 1-inch chips, giving you shallower depth-of-field and better low-light performance. The f/2 maximum aperture at 24mm equivalent compounds this advantage for available-light shooting.

Can you shoot RAW on this camera?

Yes. The Digic 6 processor handles both RAW and JPEG capture simultaneously, and you can set JPEG quality to Superfine or Fine.

What's the autofocus performance like for moving subjects?

The 31 AF points cover the frame adequately for a compact, but this isn't a sports camera. The 5.2 fps burst rate and minimum 5cm focus distance work better for candid and close-subject work than tracking fast action.

Does it have a viewfinder?

An electronic viewfinder is optional and sold separately. The 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,040,000 dots handles framing in bright sunlight, but many users prefer the EVF for longer shooting sessions.

How does Wi-Fi connectivity work?

Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC lets you transfer images to a smartphone or trigger the shutter remotely. Pairing with Android devices is straightforward via NFC tap; you can also manage image downloads from the camera to your phone.

What video modes does it offer?

The camera shoots 1920x1080 at 30fps in standard video mode, plus Star Time-Lapse (1920x1080 at 15 or 30fps) for unattended overnight captures. Video format is MPEG-4 or H.264.

How long does the battery last?

The NB-12L battery is rated for 240 shots per CIPA standard. Battery life is tight for a full day of heavy shooting, so a spare is essential.